Harper batting leadoff for 1st time with struggling Phillies

For the first time in his Philadelphia Phillies tenure, Bryce Harper will bat leadoff Thursday night against the Washington Nationals.

Andrew McCutchen served as the team's primary leadoff man until his season ended on June 3 due to a scary knee injury. Philly's leadoff batters have hit a league-worst .115/.220/.154 in the 13 games since McCutchen's injury.

Cue Harper. Though the slugger has spent the bulk of his pro career in the middle of the batting order, he hit in the one-spot in 29 games over seven seasons with the Nationals, including 12 times in 2018. When he did, he hit .273/.362/.573 with eight home runs, seven doubles, and 13 walks.

Though the 26-year-old slugger is having an up-and-down season, he's still been one of the Phillies' most consistent batters at getting on base. His .360 OBP is third on the club behind Rhys Hoskins (.395) and the absent McCutchen (.378), making him a viable table-setter.

The Phillies have dropped three straight and seven of the last 10 entering Thursday's contest against Harper's former club.